The music world often presents glossy exteriors, but behind the scenes, real emotions run deep, as revealed in Enrique Iglesias’s iconic music video for “Hero.” Jennifer Love Hewitt, who starred alongside Iglesias, shared a poignant behind-the-scenes story with Entertainment Tonight, shedding light on the emotional depth of the video shoot. As it turns out, Iglesias’s tears were not just a performance but a genuine expression of grief over the tragic death of his close friend, the celebrated singer Aaliyah.
Aaliyah, known for hits like “We Need a Resolution,” met a tragic end in an airplane accident in the Bahamas on August 25, 2001—the very day the “Hero” video was being filmed. This heart-wrenching coincidence left Iglesias and the entire crew devastated, marking the video shoot with a somber tone.
Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Emotional Tribute
The “Hero” video, directed under the aegis of Interscope Records, featured Iglesias as the protagonist alongside Hewitt. The video also boasted an appearance by Hollywood’s own Mickey Rourke. While the song itself soared to success, becoming a staple on New York City DJ sets post-September 11 attacks and selling over 8 million copies worldwide, not many knew of the personal turmoil that overshadowed its creation.
Jennifer Love Hewitt, recounting the day’s events, revealed that Iglesias was profoundly affected by the loss of Aaliyah, whom he deeply valued as a friend.
The craziest thing about that video shoot that I don’t think people know is that Enrique and Aaliyah were close friends and the night that we filmed that video was the night that she passed
The raw emotion seen in Iglesias’s performance was real—”all of his crying stuff, was filmed and he was really crying because she had passed.”
In a touching gesture, the crew held a significant prayer session for Aaliyah at the video’s conclusion, dedicating the song to her memory—a move that Hewitt describes as “really intense.”
Looking Ahead: Enrique’s Upcoming Performances and Current Projects
While reflecting on the past, Enrique Iglesias is also looking forward to exciting new ventures. The singer is set to perform in a highly anticipated concert in Dubai in September 2024. This event is part of a broader schedule, as Iglesias has been captivating audiences across North America with The Trilogy Tour, alongside Ricky Martin and Pitbull. The tour’s success has led to the addition of 18 new shows in 2024, covering major cities like Toronto, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles.
As fans anticipate Iglesias’s performances, his past works, especially “Hero,” continue to resonate deeply, reminding us of the profound connections and heartfelt stories that often go unseen in the music industry. Through his art and his actions, Enrique Iglesias honors the memory of Aaliyah, ensuring her legacy endures within the beats and lyrics cherished by fans worldwide.